For Project Information Contact:
Lenda Jo Anderson, Ph.D.
Year 8 Proposal
Understanding the Apparel Fit Preferences of Female Consumers
Copyright 1995 Smithmark Publishers Inc.
E.L. Brannon, Ph.D.
P.V. Ulrich, Ph.D.
A.B. Presley, Ph.D.
S. Gray
M. Grasso
D. Woronka
Linked to the emerging technologies in electronic communication, body scanning, and CAD/CAM, the potential exists for consumers to be able to customize apparel to personal preferences in style, color, and fit. Much of the current technical work on fit revolves around the use of body scanning or personal measurements attached to a computerized pattern drafting system. Current efforts in fit have involved reducing trial and error in fitting by quantification of aspects of the body that can be measured. New technologies like 3-D body scanning developed by [TC]2 are making an impact on the ability to custom fit apparel. However, there is a gap between the translation of physical measurements into garments and consumer satisfaction with fit. Beyond physical measurements, consumers' perceptions of physical comfort, psychological comfort, and appearance all have an impact on the consumer's decision process.
The purpose of this project is to:
- understand the nuances of fit as defined from the consumer's perspective
- develop instruments and methodologies to capture personal fit preferences of the consumer, and
- translate consumer fit preference data into an expert system to be used in decision making involving fit.
